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Considering a 98 u320

Hello to all,
I am currently in the market for a older dp. I have narrowed my search to Foretravel, Country Coach, or Beaver.
A 98 U320 wtfe on Craigslist that is close by just showed up.  Everything in the ad sounds good and the asking price seems in the ballpark, except for one very concerning item. The seller is the 3rd owner and states the mileage is unknown.
The reason stated is that the sellers deceased husband had replaced the dash gauges because the lenses were discolored and not
readable. I find this somewhat suspicious .
So my question to you all, is this a condition that afflicted older Foretravels.
Thank you for taking the time.

Re: Considering a 98 u320

Reply #1 –
Welcome to the ForeForum.

Do you have a link to the coach ad?  Someone here may know the coach.

Re: Considering a 98 u320

Reply #2 –
A couple of weeks ago, we bought a 1998 U-320.  The speedometer had recently been replaced due to mechanical failure.  Overall condition supported the claimed mileage.

Feel free to PM if you want to know more about our coach.

Re: Considering a 98 u320

Reply #3 –
Quote from: fletch –
The seller is the 3rd owner and states the mileage is unknown.
The reason stated is that the sellers deceased husband had replaced the dash gauges because the lenses were discolored and not readable. I find this somewhat suspicious .
So my question to you all, is this a condition that afflicted older Foretravels.
To answer your question - No - discolored gauge lenses are not a common problem on "older" Foretravel coaches.  The lenses on our '93 model are perfectly clear.  That problem would be even less likely on a '98 model.  There could be other valid reasons for replacing the speedometer.

Never hurts to take what sellers say with a grain of salt.  And don't believe photos - they can be deceiving.  A in-person inspection, accompanied by someone familiar with Foretravel coaches, is highly recommended.

Re: Considering a 98 u320

Reply #4 –
You can pull the mileage and gallons used from the dataport..probably a J1939 9 pin....I have a BlueFire unit and it shows both of those
Hans

Re: Considering a 98 u320

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Hans&Marjet –
You can pull the mileage and gallons used from the dataport..probably a J1939 9 pin....I have a BlueFire unit and it shows both of those
Hans

I suspected the odometer had been replaced on ours based on maintenance records.  Stopped by the local Cummins dealer and they pulled the codes, to include mileage at no charge.

Re: Considering a 98 u320

Reply #6 –
We have a 2000 and the odometer was not working when we purchased the coach.  Installed the VMSPc from Roger, a Foretravel forum member and we now have the exact mileage from the 9 pin connector under the dash.  This unit also shows EGT temps, transmission temps, retarder, shift points, oil pressure, turbo temps, etc.  Well worth an investment for your new to you coach.
Also, don't be afraid of high mileage, be afraid of low mileage.  Diesels are made to run, not sit!  FWIW!

Re: Considering a 98 u320

Reply #7 –
Joe how do I hook up my Silverleaf to get the odometer reading.

Re: Considering a 98 u320

Reply #9 –
That Motorcader number corresponds with this ForeForum member: rojo

Log in

Re: Considering a 98 u320

Reply #10 –
Fletch,

I sure don't see anything in the photos that would set off alarms.  Looks like a clean, pretty much all original coach.  Other than the front TV, I don't see any major upgrades.  Many buyers prefer a original coach, because it allows them to "personalize" it to their own taste.  I feel like that coach would certainly be worth a serious look.  Remember, the price is always negotiable.

You would want to know what work was recently done at MOT (the $5000 receipt).  Any paperwork documenting past maintenance work done is a plus.  Check the DOT dates on the tires.  If they are over 6-8 years old they are "timed out" regardless of how they look.

How to Read DOT Identification | Michelin Truck

Like I said earlier, if you can find someone locally who is familiar with Foretravel coaches, it would pay you to ask them to look the coach over.

Re: Considering a 98 u320

Reply #11 –
He passed in July. So said brother in law. Today in email exchanges I had with him.

Re: Considering a 98 u320

Reply #13 –
Wife is still alive.
Of course this is all from the internet. I have seen the Mot bill. Reviewed it. Tire age. Coach is bone stock. Miles over 160,000 at last read. Glass is good. No issues known by seller who I emailed with. He states he is brother to widow.
Mark

Re: Considering a 98 u320

Reply #14 –
Quote from: oldguy –
Joe how do I hook up my Silverleaf to get the odometer reading.

I would suggest you speak with Roger on that.  Ours was already done and I was thankful that we now have a working mileage!
I would most likely mess it up for you!

Re: Considering a 98 u320

Reply #15 –
Oldguy if you already have a VMSpc hooked up then you need to go to the top menu and add a new gauge, choose odometer  and size it and move it to where you want.
But if you bought from Roger he includes a few pre-made screens which probably include the odometer.
On mine (bought from Roger) I made my own screen but my dash odometer shows about 1000 miles difference from the VMSpc. 

Re: Considering a 98 u320

Reply #16 –
Thanks Forest we looked for odometer a few we ago and didn't see it but now that I know it's there we will really look.

Re: Considering a 98 u320

Reply #17 –
Quote from: craneman –
He shows logging in on Aug 10th. Maybe someone else used his log in.
  I spoke with the brother in law and he told me that  the seller purchased the unit from a guy in Georgia.
I looked up rojo's profile and appears he is from Georgia, so this makes sense.
I am going to look at it tomorrow.
My only issue at the moment is the 36' length. I would prefer 34' for maybe a little better manoeuvrability, but I actually don't know if there is much difference. The largest vehicle I have driven is a 28' Winnebago. Any thoughts are appreciated.


Re: Considering a 98 u320

Reply #18 –
I had both a 34 and 36 and there was not much difference. They both have straight axles so it takes more room to turn a circle but to get into places, there is not much difference.

Re: Considering a 98 u320

Reply #19 –
For figuring mileage estimates wouldn't it work to go with engine hours times say 40 ish miles per hr.    If memory serves ours came out to about 43 mph average,, lower than I would have thought.